The Izmir / Cesme region
Agora in Izmir
Modern day Izmir on Turkey's west coast is claimed to be the birthplace of Homer, one of the greatest poets and storytellers of all time. The city was founded by the almost mythical Trojans thousands of years ago and was fought over by ancient Greeks, Alexander the Great, Romans, Arabs and eventually the Ottoman Turks who took control of the city from the victors of WWI, who at the time helped to carve up Turkey the way they carved up the Middle East.
Unfortunately, approximately 70% of the city burned during the battle between Mustafa Kemal Attaturk (Father of the Turks) and the Greek Occupation Force following WWI. Even so, there is still lots to visit: from the Kadifekale Fortress, which was originally built by Alexander the Great’s generals and stands guard over the city from a height of 250 feet and is an ideal place to watch the sunset over the Aegean to the ruins from Izmir’s Roman and Greek past which can be seen at the Agora, where recent finds include the remains of a temple of Zeus built almost 2000 years ago. At Bayrakli, the ruins of the original site of Smyrna (ancient Izmir) are still open to the public. This site was moved by Alexander to the hilltop above the city for defensive purposes.
Izmir is also a great place to shop. There are bazaars and kervansarays throughout the city, selling all sorts of carpets, trinkets, jewelry and pottery. The most famous bazaar in Izmir is the Kemeralti.
If you want to relax you could consider a visit to one of Turkey’s most famous thermal spas at Balcova, just outside the city center of Izmir.
Eating out is exciting and does not have to be very expensive. There are many small harbour restaurants, with waterfront terraces, where you can select your own fish from the catch of that day. The cook will often make a suggestion as to how it should be prepared, but feel free to make requests. Or have a kebab in one of the many Turkish restaurants throughout the city. And of course, if you prefer something a bit less exciting, this is no problem either. Many restaurants offer an international kitchen.
And then of course there are the beautiful white sandy beaches of the Aegean. There are many beaches around Izmir and these are popular among the tourists as well as the Turkish people themselves. If you're looking for a bit more peace and quiet, this region offers you some of the most beautiful and peaceful bays you will find anywhere.
Unfortunately, approximately 70% of the city burned during the battle between Mustafa Kemal Attaturk (Father of the Turks) and the Greek Occupation Force following WWI. Even so, there is still lots to visit: from the Kadifekale Fortress, which was originally built by Alexander the Great’s generals and stands guard over the city from a height of 250 feet and is an ideal place to watch the sunset over the Aegean to the ruins from Izmir’s Roman and Greek past which can be seen at the Agora, where recent finds include the remains of a temple of Zeus built almost 2000 years ago. At Bayrakli, the ruins of the original site of Smyrna (ancient Izmir) are still open to the public. This site was moved by Alexander to the hilltop above the city for defensive purposes.
Izmir is also a great place to shop. There are bazaars and kervansarays throughout the city, selling all sorts of carpets, trinkets, jewelry and pottery. The most famous bazaar in Izmir is the Kemeralti.
If you want to relax you could consider a visit to one of Turkey’s most famous thermal spas at Balcova, just outside the city center of Izmir.
Eating out is exciting and does not have to be very expensive. There are many small harbour restaurants, with waterfront terraces, where you can select your own fish from the catch of that day. The cook will often make a suggestion as to how it should be prepared, but feel free to make requests. Or have a kebab in one of the many Turkish restaurants throughout the city. And of course, if you prefer something a bit less exciting, this is no problem either. Many restaurants offer an international kitchen.
And then of course there are the beautiful white sandy beaches of the Aegean. There are many beaches around Izmir and these are popular among the tourists as well as the Turkish people themselves. If you're looking for a bit more peace and quiet, this region offers you some of the most beautiful and peaceful bays you will find anywhere.
Surrounding area of Urla
From your beautiful villa in Urla you can also visit various other places such as the ancient ruins of Ephesus, the final resting place of the Virgin Mary at St. Mary's House, the dazzling white petrified lime cascades of Pamukkale, and the ancient city of Hierapolis. Or take a day trip to the coastal town of Cesme with its fantastic beaches. Go windsurfing in Alacati or at the bea take a day trip to one of the nearby Greek islands! Ferries depart from Izmir as well as Cesme.
Below pictures of: Foca beach, the Greek island of Chios, golf at Kusadasi Golf resort.
Below pictures of: Foca beach, the Greek island of Chios, golf at Kusadasi Golf resort.